Shloka 36
महाबली भीमसेन उस गजसेनाका संहार करके पुनः अपने रथपर आ बैठे और अर्जुनके पीछे-पीछे चलने लगे ।। ततः पराड्मुखप्रायं निरुत्साहं बल॑ तव । व्यालम्बत महाराज प्रायश: शस्त्रवेष्टितम्,महाराज! उस समय भीमसेन और अर्जुनके अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंस घिरी हुई आपकी अधिकांश सेना उत्साहशून्य, विमुख और जडवत् हो गयी
sañjaya uvāca |
mahābalī bhīmasenaḥ sa gajasenāṃ nihatyātha punar rathopaviśya arjunasya pṛṣṭhataḥ pṛṣṭhataḥ anvayāt ||
tataḥ parāṅmukha-prāyaṃ nirutsāhaṃ balaṃ tava |
vyālambata mahārāja prāyaśaḥ śastra-veṣṭitam ||
قال سانجيا: بعدما أفنى بهيماسينا شديد البأس فيلقَ الفيلة، عاد فركب عربته وسار خلف أرجونا. ثم، أيها الملك، إن جيشك—وقد أُحيط أكثره من كل جانب بأسلحة بهيما وأرجونا—خبا حماسه، وأدار وجهه كمن ينسحب، ووقف مذهولًا جامدًا.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how morale is a decisive force in war: when confronted by overwhelming prowess and coordinated leadership (Bhīma supporting Arjuna), an army can become inwardly defeated—losing resolve and turning away—even before it is physically destroyed. It implicitly underscores the kṣatriya ideal that steadfastness and courage are essential to uphold one’s duty in battle.
Bhīma has just annihilated an elephant division and then resumes position on his chariot, following behind Arjuna in support. Seeing the combined onslaught of Bhīma and Arjuna, the Kaurava forces largely falter—becoming dispirited, turning away, and standing stunned while being pressed in by weapons.